JP2005078142A - Data structure, information display controller, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a data structure for efficiently using the incorporated memory in an electronic dictionary in which a plurality of dictionary DBs are incorporated. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU reads one record from a Japanese keyword table 170, and acquires the record number of a translation information storage destination. Then, the CPU erases the record number of the translation information storage destination, and reads translation corresponding to the acquired record number of the translation information storage destination from a translation information table 172a. The CPU acquires the record number of a record corresponding to the read translation from a English/Japanese dictionary DB324, and stores the record number in the translation information storage destination record number. The CPU deletes the translation information table 172a and a Japanese/English dictionary retrieval program 1174, and additionally stores a English/Japanese dictionary DB324, a new Japanese/English dictionary retrieval program 328 and an English/Japanese dictionary retrieval program 329. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a data structure, an information display control device, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an information display control device called an electronic dictionary in which several types of electronic dictionary databases (hereinafter referred to as “DB”) such as a Japanese language dictionary, an English-Japanese dictionary, and a Japanese-English dictionary are incorporated is known. This electronic dictionary DB is systematically so that a set of information in which headwords and explanation information for explaining the headwords are associated can be searched using a computer. It is composed.

  For example, in the English-Japanese dictionary DB, the user can select a headword that matches the input character that has been input, and can display explanatory information of the selected headword. This explanatory information includes various information such as Japanese translations of English words, examples, and related words. Therefore, the required capacity of the built-in memory of the electronic dictionary increases in proportion to the amount of information such as explanation information in the dictionary DB.

If the content of the explanation information is omitted and English words and Japanese words can be associated one-to-one, one dictionary DB can be used as both a Japanese-English dictionary and an English-Japanese dictionary (for example, patent literature) 1) is impractical in current electronic dictionaries.
JP-A-6-52216

  In general, a predetermined dictionary DB is stored in advance in the electronic dictionary, and the user purchases an electronic dictionary in which a desired dictionary DB is stored. However, there are cases where a dictionary DB of another language that was not necessary at the time of purchase is required. In this case, an electronic dictionary that can be used to download a desired dictionary DB to an electronic dictionary and add a new dictionary DB using a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a personal computer is developed and commercialized. Has been.

  In recent years, many electronic dictionaries of the so-called full content type in which a paper dictionary is entirely digitized contain an English-Japanese dictionary and a Japanese-English dictionary of the same publisher with full content. For this reason, the explanation information of the English-Japanese dictionary and the explanation information for the English translation of the Japanese-English dictionary often have overlapping contents. For example, if you look up a Japanese-English dictionary and its explanation information by looking up a Japanese-English dictionary, and then look up the explanation information of the checked English translation from the English-Japanese dictionary, the contents of the explanation information in the Japanese-English dictionary and English-Japanese dictionary overlap. There are many parts.

  In addition, even if a new dictionary DB is added to and stored in an electronic dictionary in which a desired dictionary DB can be downloaded to an electronic dictionary and a new dictionary DB can be added, a dictionary DB having an independent configuration is included in the electronic dictionary. A plurality will be stored. Therefore, even if there is a common DB in a common language between the dictionary DBs, the DB is stored redundantly, and the built-in memory is occupied wastefully.

  For example, when “English-French Dictionary DB” and “English-Language Dictionary DB” are added to the electronic dictionary in which “English-German Dictionary DB” is first stored, a new “English-French Dictionary DB” is newly added. The “English-Language Dictionary DB” is additionally stored. In this case, since the “English” DB, which is a common language of the respective dictionary DBs, is stored redundantly, the built-in memory is unnecessarily occupied.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a data structure in which an internal memory is efficiently used in an electronic dictionary having a plurality of dictionary DBs.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1
A plurality of basic headwords in a predetermined common language (for example, the English headword in FIG. 7A) and a translation of each of the basic headwords in a plurality of languages other than the common language (for example, FIG. 7 ( b) German data, French data), and specific information for specifying the translation corresponding to each of the basic headwords (for example, German storage destination record number, French storage destination record number in FIG. 7A) A computer-readable data structure (for example, the composite dictionary DB 160 of FIG. 3),
A translation word of each of the plurality of languages of the basic headword is configured to be readable by the specific information.

An information display control device according to claim 3 is:
A plurality of basic headwords in a predetermined common language (for example, the English headword in FIG. 7A) and a translation of each of the basic headwords in a plurality of languages other than the common language (for example, FIG. 7 ( storage means (for example, the flash memory 16 in FIG. 3) for storing b) German data and French data) in association with each other;
Selecting means (for example, the input unit 18 in FIG. 2) for selecting one basic headword from the plurality of basic headwords;
Display control means (for example, the display unit 20 in FIG. 2) that controls to read out and display the translated words in each of the languages corresponding to the basic headword selected by the selection means;
It is characterized by having.

The program according to claim 6 is:
On the computer,
A storage function (for example, flash memory 16 in FIG. 3; FIG. 3) that stores a plurality of basic headwords in a predetermined common language and translations of the basic headwords in a plurality of languages other than the common language in association with each other. 6 steps A5 to A9),
A selection function (for example, input unit 18 in FIG. 2; step B7 in FIG. 8) for selecting one basic headword from the plurality of basic headwords;
A display control function (for example, the display unit 20 in FIG. 2; FIG. 8) that controls to read out and display the translated words in the plurality of languages corresponding to the basic headword selected by the selection function from the storage function. Step B11)
It is characterized by realizing.

  According to the invention described in claim 1, 3 or 6, translated words in a plurality of languages other than the common language are associated with a plurality of basic headwords in the common language. Then, a translation corresponding to the designated basic headword is read from a plurality of languages and displayed. Therefore, by associating only one basic headword with translations in a plurality of languages, basic headwords among a plurality of translation words can be made common, and an efficient data structure can be obtained.

The invention described in claim 2
A plurality of first headwords in the first language (for example, the Japanese headword in FIG. 14), a plurality of second headwords in the second language (for example, the English headword in FIG. 12), and this Description information corresponding to each second headword (for example, the description information in FIG. 12) and specific information for specifying the second headword having the same meaning as the first headword (for example, translated word information in FIG. 14) A data structure (for example, dictionary data 168 in FIG. 15) readable by a computer having a storage destination record number),
When the second headword is selected, the explanation information corresponding to the selected second headword is configured to be readable,
When the first headword is selected, the second headword having the same meaning as the selected first headword and the explanation information corresponding to the second headword are based on the specific information. It is characterized by being configured to be readable.

Moreover, the information display control apparatus according to claim 4 is:
First storage means (for example, Japanese headword table 170 in FIG. 14) for storing a plurality of first headwords in the first language;
Second storage means for storing a plurality of second headwords in the second language and explanation information of the second headwords (for example, English-Japanese dictionary DB 324 in FIG. 12);
Specific information storage means for storing specific information for specifying a second headword having the same meaning as the first headword (for example, the Japanese headword table 170 in FIG. 14);
Selection means (for example, the input unit 18 in FIG. 2) for selecting one headword from the first headword and the second headword;
When the first headword is selected by the selection means, the second headword having the same meaning as the selected first headword and the second headword are selected based on the specific information. When the second entry word is selected by the selection means, the explanation information corresponding to the selected second entry word is displayed. Display control means (for example, the display unit 20 in FIG. 2) that performs control to read out and display from the second storage means;
It is characterized by having.

The program according to claim 7 is:
On the computer,
A first storage function (for example, the Japanese headword table 170 in FIG. 14) for storing a plurality of first headwords in the first language;
A second storage function (for example, the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324 in FIG. 12) that stores a plurality of second headwords in the second language and explanation information of the second headwords in association with each other;
A specific information storage function for storing specific information for specifying a second headword having the same meaning as the first headword (for example, the Japanese headword table 170 in FIG. 14);
A selection function (for example, input unit 18 in FIG. 2; step D7 in FIG. 16) for selecting one headword from the first headword and the second headword;
When the first headword is selected by this selection function, it corresponds to the second headword having the same meaning as the selected first headword and the second headword based on the specific information. If the second entry word is selected by the selection function, the explanation information corresponding to the selected second entry word is displayed. A display control function (for example, the display unit 20 in FIG. 2; steps D17 and D21 in FIG. 16; step E9 in FIG. 20) for performing control to read and display from the second storage function;
It is characterized by realizing.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, 4 or 7, the first headword in the first language, the second headword in the second language, and the explanation information corresponding to the second headword correspond to each other. Attached. When the first headword is designated, the second headword corresponding to the first headword and the explanation information of the second headword are read and displayed. When the second headword is designated, the explanation information corresponding to the second headword is read and displayed. That is, since the same explanation information can be read and displayed as the first headword and the second headword as the designated headword, the explanation information of the first headword and the second headword The description information can be shared, and an efficient data structure can be obtained.

The information display control device according to claim 5 is:
The first headword in the first language, the translation in the second language, the specific information for specifying the translation corresponding to the first headword, and the explanation information of the first headword are associated with each other. A first storage means (for example, dictionary data 168 in FIG. 11),
Access to a recording medium (for example, the external storage medium 32 in FIG. 2) in which a plurality of second headwords in the second language and explanation information of the second headword are recorded in association with each other, and record on the recording medium Second storage means (for example, the flash memory 16a in FIG. 10) for storing and saving the contents that have been stored;
Deletion means (for example, CPU 10 in FIG. 2; FIG. 13) that deletes from the first storage means the same translated word as the second headword stored and stored in the second storage means and the explanation information associated with the translated word. Steps C5 and C17)
Changing means for changing the specific information for specifying the translated word deleted by the deleting means to specific information for specifying the second headword stored and saved in the second storage means same as the translated word (for example, FIG. 2 CPU 10; step C11) in FIG.
A selection means (for example, the input unit 18 in FIG. 2; step D7 in FIG. 16) for selecting one headword from the first headword and the second headword;
When the first headword is selected by the selection means, the second headword having the same meaning as the selected first headword and the second headword are selected based on the specific information. When the second entry word is selected by the selection means, the explanation information corresponding to the selected second entry word is displayed. Display control means (for example, the display unit 20 in FIG. 2; step D17 in FIG. 16) that performs control to read out and display from the second storage means;
It is characterized by having.

The program according to claim 8 is:
On the computer,
The first headword in the first language, the translation in the second language, the specific information for specifying the translation corresponding to the first headword, and the explanation information of the first headword are associated with each other. A first storage function (for example, dictionary data 168 in FIG. 11),
Access to a recording medium (for example, the external storage medium 32 in FIG. 2) in which a plurality of second headwords in the second language and explanation information of the second headword are recorded in association with each other, and record on the recording medium A second storage function (for example, the flash memory 16a in FIG. 15) for storing and saving the recorded content;
A deletion function (for example, CPU 10 in FIG. 2; FIG. 13) that deletes from the first storage function the same translation as the second headword stored and stored in the second storage function and the explanation information associated with the translation. Steps C5 and C17)
A change function that changes the specific information for specifying the translated word deleted by the deletion function into specific information for specifying the second headword stored and saved in the second storage function that is the same as the translated word (for example, FIG. 2 CPU 10; step C11) in FIG.
A selection function (for example, input unit 18 in FIG. 2; step D7 in FIG. 16) for selecting one headword from the first headword and the second headword;
When the first headword is selected by this selection function, it corresponds to the second headword having the same meaning as the selected first headword and the second headword based on the specific information. If the second entry word is selected by the selection function, the explanation information corresponding to the selected second entry word is displayed. A display control function (for example, the display unit 20 in FIG. 2; steps D17 and D21 in FIG. 16) for performing control to read out and display from the second storage function;
It is characterized by realizing.

  According to the invention described in claim 5 or 8, from prestored data in which the first headword in the first language, the translation in the second language, and the explanation information of the first headword are associated with each other. The translation in the second language is deleted. Next, the translation of the second headword stored in the storage medium is stored, and the translation is associated with the first headword. When the first headword in the first language is designated, a translated word having the same meaning as the first headword is read and displayed. Accordingly, the second headword stored in advance is deleted, the translation of the second headword stored in the storage medium is stored, and synonymous data (translation) is not stored redundantly. The data structure can be used efficiently.

  According to the invention described in claim 1, 3 or 6, translated words in a plurality of languages other than the common language are associated with a plurality of basic headwords in the common language. Then, a translation corresponding to the designated basic headword is read from a plurality of languages and displayed. Therefore, by associating only one basic headword with the translations in a plurality of languages, the basic headwords among the plurality of translation words can be shared, and an efficient data structure can be obtained.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, 4 or 7, the first headword in the first language, the second headword in the second language, and the explanation information corresponding to the second headword correspond to each other. Attached. When the first headword is designated, the second headword corresponding to the first headword and the explanation information of the second headword are read and displayed. When the second headword is designated, the explanation information corresponding to the second headword is read and displayed. That is, since the same explanation information can be read and displayed as the first headword and the second headword as the designated headword, the explanation information of the first headword and the second headword The description information can be shared, and an efficient data structure can be obtained.

  According to the invention described in claim 5 or 8, from prestored data in which the first headword in the first language, the translation in the second language, and the explanation information of the first headword are associated with each other. The translation in the second language is deleted. Next, the translation of the second headword stored in the storage medium is stored, and the translation is associated with the first headword. When the first headword in the first language is designated, a translated word having the same meaning as the first headword is read and displayed. Accordingly, the second headword stored in advance is deleted, the translation of the second headword stored in the storage medium is stored, and synonymous data (translation) is not stored redundantly. The data structure can be used efficiently.

  In the following, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 21 in which the present invention is applied to an electronic dictionary which is a kind of information display control device.

  FIG. 1 is an overview of an electronic dictionary 1 to which the present invention is applied. As shown in the figure, the electronic dictionary 1 includes a display 3, various key groups 5, and a connector 7. The user can download the dictionary DB stored in the CD-ROM 9 to the electronic dictionary 1 by connecting the CD-ROM reader 11 to the connector 7.

  Each key constituting the various key groups 5 is assigned with a unique function, and the user presses these keys to operate the electronic dictionary 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1B, a character input key 56, a dictionary type selection key 58, a determination key 52 for inputting an operation confirmation instruction, a cursor key 54 for inputting a cursor movement instruction, and the like are provided. When these keys are pressed, the CPU 10 executes a function assigned to the keys. The selection key 58 is associated with various dictionary DBs, and includes an English-German key 58a, an English-French key 58b, an English-Orchid key 58c, an English-Japanese key 58d, a Japanese-English key 58e, and the like. The dictionary DB included in the electronic dictionary 1 is not limited to these, and can be applied to other dictionary DBs with appropriate design changes.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the electronic dictionary 1. As shown in the figure, the electronic dictionary 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 14, a flash memory 16, an input unit 18, a display unit 20, an external device connection unit 22, etc. connected to a bus 24. Configured.

  The CPU 10 executes processing based on a predetermined program in accordance with an input instruction, and inputs / outputs instructions to each functional unit and data. Specifically, the CPU 10 reads a program stored in the flash memory 16 or the external storage medium 32 in accordance with an operation signal input from the input unit 18, and executes processing according to the program. And the display control signal for displaying a processing result is output to the display part 20 suitably, and corresponding display information is displayed.

  The RAM 14 includes a memory area that temporarily stores various programs executed by the CPU 10, data related to the execution of these programs, and the like.

  The flash memory 16 stores an initial program for performing various initial settings, hardware inspections, loading of necessary programs, and the like. The CPU 10 sets the operating environment of the electronic dictionary 1 by executing this initial program when the electronic dictionary 1 is powered on. Further, various processing programs related to the operation of the electronic dictionary 1 and data for realizing various functions are stored.

  The input unit 18 includes a key group necessary for inputting characters such as kana and alphabets and selecting functions, and outputs a pressed signal of a pressed key to the CPU 10. Input means for inputting characters, selecting a dictionary type, inputting a search execution instruction, and the like are realized by key input in the input unit 18. The input unit 18 corresponds to the key group 5 shown in FIG.

  The display unit 20 displays various screens based on display control signals input from the CPU 10, and is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like. The display unit 20 corresponds to the display 3 shown in FIG.

  The external device connection unit 22 is a functional unit for connecting a storage medium reading unit 30 for reading / writing data to / from an external storage medium 32 such as a memory card or a hard disk or a personal computer 34 for data communication. (Universal serial bus) or a LAN interface. The external device connection unit 22 corresponds to the connector 7 shown in FIG. 1, and the storage medium reading unit 30 and the external storage medium 32 correspond to the CD-ROM reader 11 and the CD-ROM 9, respectively.

Embodiment 1
Next, Embodiment 1 of the electronic dictionary 1 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the flash memory 16 and the external storage medium 32 according to the first embodiment.

  According to FIG. 3A, the flash memory 16 stores a composite dictionary DB 160 and a dictionary search program 166.

  The composite dictionary DB 160 is a DB in which the contents of a plurality of dictionary DBs are combined, and includes a translation word table 164 including an entry word table 162 and a German language data table 164a. The composite dictionary DB 160 constitutes an English-German dictionary DB with English stored in the entry word table 162 that is a common language and German words stored in the translation table 164 that is a language other than the common language. The French data table 320b is downloaded from the external storage medium 32 by the dictionary addition process, which is a characteristic process of the first embodiment, and is additionally stored in the flash memory 16. After the additional storage, the English-French dictionary DB is configured by the English stored in the headword table 162 and the French data table 320b.

  The headword table 162 is a data table in which English headwords and German-language storage destination record numbers are associated with each other. Further, the French storage destination record number is added by the dictionary addition process, and is associated with the English headword. The German language storage location record number and the French language storage location record number are record numbers indicating the storage locations of the German language data and the French language data stored in the German language data table 164a and the French language data table 320b, respectively.

  The translated word table 164 includes a data table in a language other than the common language, and includes only a German data table 164a in the initial state.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the composite dictionary DB 160. As shown in FIG. 4A, the headword table 162 stores records in which English headwords and German word storage destination record numbers are stored in association with each other. For example, the English headword “Good Morning” is associated with the German storage destination record number “100” and stored in the headword table 162 as one record. This indicates that the German data “Guten Morgen” of the record number “100” in the German language data table 164a is a German translation of the English headword “Good Morning”. In addition, the French storage record number is added to the headword table 162 by dictionary addition processing.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the translated word table 164 includes a German data table 164a. In the German data table 164a, records storing German data are accumulated. For example, the German number “Guten Tag” is stored in the record number “103”.

  The dictionary search program 166 is a program for the CPU 10 to execute a dictionary search process, and the dictionary search process is executed by the CPU 10 reading and executing the dictionary search program 166 from the flash memory 16.

  According to FIG. 3B, the external storage medium 32 stores an English-French dictionary DB 320 and a dictionary addition program 322.

  The English-French dictionary DB 320 is a DB that stores the content of the “English-French dictionary”, and includes an English headword table 320a and a French data table 320b.

  The English headword table 320a is a data table in which English headwords and French storage destination record numbers are associated with each other. The French storage location record number is a record number indicating the storage location of the French language data stored in the French language data table 320b.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the English-French dictionary DB 320. As shown in FIG. 5A, the English headword table 320a stores records in which English headwords and French storage destination record numbers are stored in association with each other. For example, an English headword “Good Morning” is associated with a French storage destination record number “50” and stored as one record in the English headword table 320a. This indicates that the French data “Bonjour” with the record number “50” in the French data table 320b is a French translation of the English headword “Good Morning”.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, records storing French data are accumulated in the French data table 320b. For example, French data “Salut” is stored in the record number “202”.

  The dictionary addition program 322 is a program for the CPU 10 to execute the dictionary addition process, and the dictionary addition process is executed by the CPU 10 reading out the dictionary addition program 322 from the external storage medium 32 and executing it.

  Next, the operation of the electronic dictionary 1 will be described below with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the dictionary addition process. For example, the user sets the CD-ROM 9 (external storage medium 32) in the CD-ROM reader 11 (storage medium reading unit 30), and further connects the cable 13 of the CD-ROM reader 11 to the connector 7 (external device connection unit 22). Connect to. When the user inputs an instruction to execute dictionary addition processing (for example, pressing the enter key 52), the CPU 10 accesses the CD-ROM 9 (external storage medium 32), reads the dictionary addition program 322, and stores it in the RAM 14. The dictionary addition process is started by expanding.

  First, the CPU 10 reads one record from the headword table 162 (step A1), and acquires the English headword of the read record (step A3). Then, the external storage medium 32 is accessed, and a record having an English headword that matches the acquired English headword is read from the English headword table 320a of the English-French dictionary DB 320 (step A5).

  Next, the CPU 10 acquires a French storage location record number from the read record (step A7), and stores the acquired French storage location record number in the corresponding French storage location record number area of the headword table 162 (step A9). ).

  The CPU 10 determines whether or not all the entries in the headword table 162 have been read (step A11). If it is determined that the records have been read (step A11: Yes), the external storage medium 32 is accessed and the French data table 320b is stored. Read out and store in the translated word table 164 (step A13), and the dictionary addition process is terminated. If it is determined that all the records in the entry word table 162 are not read (step A11: No), the process proceeds to step A1.

Next, specific processing of the dictionary addition processing will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the CPU 10 reads the record R1 of the headword table 162 and acquires the English headword “Good Morning” (corresponding to steps A1 to A3 shown in FIG. 6). Then, the record R5 having the English headword matching the English headword “Good Morning” is read from the English headword table 320a of the English-French dictionary DB 320, and the French storage destination record number “50” of the record R5 is acquired. (Corresponding to steps A5 to A7 shown in FIG. 6).

  The French storage location record number “50” is stored in the French storage location record number area of the record R1 of the headword table 162 (corresponding to step A9 shown in FIG. 6). The same processing is performed by reading all the records in the headword table 162, and then the French data table 320b is additionally stored in the translated word table 164 (corresponding to steps A11 to A13 shown in FIG. 6).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the composite dictionary DB 160 reconfigured by the dictionary addition process. As shown in FIG. 7A, the German storage destination record number and the French storage destination record number corresponding to the English headword are stored in association with the English headword. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, a German word data table 164a and a French word data table 320b are stored in the translated word table. For example, the English headword “Good Morning” is associated with the German storage destination record number “100” and the French storage destination record number “50”, and is stored in the headword table 162 as one record. . This is because the German data “Guten Morgen” with the record number “100” in the German data table 164a and the French data “Bonjour” with the record number “50” in the French data table 320b are respectively converted into the English headword “Good Morning”. "It is a German translation and a French translation."

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the dictionary search process. The operation of the electronic dictionary 1 related to the dictionary search processing will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 as a specific example of the screen example shown in FIG. Of course, the operation realized as the dictionary search process is not limited to the screen example of FIG.

  First, when the user inputs an instruction to execute a dictionary search process (for example, pressing of the English-German key 58a), the CPU 10 reads the dictionary search program 166 from the flash memory 16 and expands it in the RAM 14 to execute the dictionary search process. Start.

  First, the CPU 10 displays an input screen W1 for allowing the user to input characters on the display unit 20, and waits until characters are input from the input unit 18 (step B1). When the input character L1 “good morning” is input (step B1: Yes), the headword matching the input character L1 is searched from the headword table 162 (step B3). Next, the CPU 10 causes the display unit 20 to display a list of English headwords in alphabetical order starting from the input character L1 as English headword candidates L3 (step B5) (FIG. 9A).

  When the English headword candidate L3 is displayed as a list, the CPU 10 waits until the user selects a headword from the English headword candidate L3 (step B5). When the highlighted display M1 is moved by the operation of the cursor key 54 and the English headword “good morning” is selected (step B5: Yes), the CPU 10 selects the selected English headword (hereinafter, “selected headword”). The translated word data corresponding to “good morning” is read from the translated word table 164 and displayed on the display unit 20 together with the language name L5 (steps B9 to B11) (FIG. 9B).

  Specifically, the German data “Guten Morgen” and the French data “Bonjour” corresponding to the German storage destination record number “100” of “good morning” and the French storage destination record number “50” are stored in the German language data table. 164a and the French data table 320b. Then, the read translated data is displayed as a list on the display unit 20 together with the language name L5.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the English-French dictionary DB is downloaded to the electronic dictionary 1 in which the English-German dictionary DB (composite dictionary DB 160) has already been stored, the CPU 10 finds a headword table in the English-German dictionary DB. 162 and the French data table 320b of the English-French dictionary DB 320 are associated with each other by a French storage destination record number. Then, by additionally storing the French data table 320 b in the flash memory 16, the composite dictionary DB 160 is reconfigured to have two dictionary DBs, an English-German dictionary DB and an English-French dictionary DB 320. As a result, not all the English-French dictionary DB 320 is stored in the flash memory 16, but only the necessary parts (French storage destination record number and French data table 320b) are stored, and the composite dictionary DB 160 is reconfigured to reconstruct the English-French dictionary. The dictionary DB 320 can be added, and a new dictionary DB can be added as a data structure that efficiently uses the built-in memory.

  In the first embodiment, the German data table 164a and the French data table 320b are data tables only for words, but may be a data table in which explanation information in Japanese or explanation information such as usage in each language is associated. Alternatively, it may be designed as a full content type electronic dictionary.

  Moreover, although the two translations of German and French for the English headword are displayed simultaneously, for example, the language of the translation to be displayed may be selected and only the translation of the selected language may be displayed.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, a second embodiment of the electronic dictionary 1 to which the present invention is applied will be described. The electronic dictionary 1 in the second embodiment has a configuration in which the flash memory 16 and the external storage medium 32 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 are replaced with a flash memory 16a and an external storage medium 32a. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component same as the electronic dictionary 1 shown and demonstrated in FIG. 2 in Embodiment 1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the flash memory 16a and the external storage medium 32a according to the second embodiment. According to FIG. 10A, the flash memory 16a stores dictionary data 168 and a Japanese-English dictionary search program 174.

  The dictionary data 168 is a DB in which the contents of a plurality of dictionary DBs are combined, and is composed of a Japanese headword table 170 and a Japanese-English explanation information table 172 having a translated word information table 172a and an auxiliary information table 172b. Is done. The dictionary data 168 constitutes an English-Japanese dictionary DB by Japanese stored in the Japanese headword table 170 as the first language and English stored in the translated word information table 172a as the second language. The English-Japanese dictionary DB 324 is additionally stored in the flash memory 16a from the external storage medium 32a by download processing which is characteristic processing of the second embodiment.

  The Japanese headword table 170 is a data table in which Japanese headwords, translation information storage destination record numbers, and auxiliary information storage destination record numbers are associated with each other. The translated word information storage destination record number is a record number indicating the storage location of the translated word and the explanation information stored in the translated word information table 172a. The auxiliary information storage destination record number is a record number indicating the storage location of auxiliary information stored in the auxiliary information table 172b.

  The translated word information table 172a is a data table in which translated words for Japanese headwords in the Japanese headword table 170 are associated with explanation information. The auxiliary information table 172b is a data table in which auxiliary information for Japanese headwords (information unique to the Japanese-English dictionary DB such as translation technique) is collected.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the data structure of the dictionary data 168. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11A, the Japanese headword table 170 stores records in which Japanese headwords, translation information storage destination record numbers, and auxiliary information storage destination record numbers are stored in association with each other. For example, the Japanese headword “Hikari” is associated with the translated word information storage destination record number “150” and the auxiliary information storage destination record number “A50” in the Japanese headword table 170 as one record. Accumulated. This is because the five translated words “light”, “ray”,... Of the record number “150” in the translated word information table 172a, and the auxiliary information “read by ramplight ...” of the record number “A50” in the auxiliary information table 172b. Represents the translation of the Japanese headword “Hikari” and auxiliary information.

  As shown in FIG. 11B, the translated word information table 172a stores records in which translated words and explanatory information are stored in association with each other, and one record number is associated with one or a plurality of records. For example, the translated information “light” is associated with explanatory information “light, light” and stored as one record. Also, the record number “150” corresponds to five records in which the translated word and the explanation information are associated with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 11C, the auxiliary information table 172b stores records storing auxiliary information. For example, auxiliary information “read by lamplight...” Is stored.

  The Japanese-English dictionary search program 174 is a program for the CPU 10 to execute a Japanese-English dictionary search process. The CPU 10 reads the Japanese-English dictionary search program 174 from the flash memory 16 and executes it, whereby the Japanese-English dictionary search process is executed. . The English-Japanese dictionary search program 329 is additionally stored in the flash memory 16a from the external storage medium 32a by download processing.

  10B, the external storage medium 32a stores an English-Japanese dictionary DB 324, a download program 326, a new Japanese-English dictionary search program 328, and an English-Japanese dictionary search program 329.

  The English-Japanese dictionary DB 324 is a DB that stores the content of the “English-Japanese dictionary”, and is a data table in which English headwords are associated with explanatory information.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324. As shown in FIG. 12, the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324 stores records in which English headwords and explanation information are stored in association with each other. For example, the English headword “light” is associated with explanatory information “1. light, light (not only visible light but also...)” And stored in the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324 as one record.

  The download program 326 is a program for the CPU 10 to execute the download process, and the CPU 10 reads the download program 326 from the external storage medium 32 and executes it to execute the download process.

  The new Japanese-English dictionary search program 328 is a program for the CPU 10 to execute the new Japanese-English dictionary search process, and is stored in place of the Japanese-English dictionary search program 174 stored in the flash memory 16a by the download process. Further, the CPU 10 reads out the new Japanese-English dictionary search program 328 from the flash memory 16a and executes it, thereby executing a new Japanese-English dictionary search process.

  The English-Japanese dictionary search program 329 is a program for the CPU 10 to execute the English-Japanese dictionary search process, and is stored in the flash memory 16a by the download process. Further, the CPU 10 reads out the English-Japanese dictionary search program 329 from the flash memory 16a and executes it, whereby an English-Japanese dictionary search process is executed.

  Next, the operation of the electronic dictionary 1 will be described below using the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the download process. For example, the user sets the CD-ROM 9 (external storage medium 32) in the CD-ROM reader 11 (storage medium reading unit 30), and further connects the CD-ROM reader 11 cable (external device connection unit 22) to the connector 7. Connecting. When the user inputs an instruction to execute the download process (for example, pressing the enter key 52), the CPU 10 accesses the CD-ROM 9 (external storage medium 32), reads the download program 326, and expands it in the RAM 14. To start the download process.

  First, the CPU 10 reads one record from the Japanese headword table 170 (step C1), and acquires a translation corresponding to the translated word information storage destination record number of the read record from the translated word information table 172a (step C3). Then, the translated word information storage destination record number read from the Japanese headword table 170 is deleted (step C5).

  Next, the CPU 10 selects one of the read translated words (step C7), accesses the external storage medium 32, and acquires the record number of the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324 corresponding to the translated word (step C9). Then, the acquired record number is stored as the translated word information storage destination record number of the record read in step C1 (step C11). The CPU 10 determines whether or not all of the acquired translated words have been selected (step C13). If it is determined that the translated word has not been selected (step C13: No), the process proceeds to step C7. If it is determined that all the acquired translations have been selected (step C13: Yes), it is determined whether all the records in the Japanese headword table 170 have been read (step C15). (Step C15: No), the process proceeds to Step C1.

  When it is determined that all the records in the Japanese headword table 170 have been read (step C15: Yes), the CPU 10 deletes the translated word information table 172a stored in the flash memory 16a (step C17), and the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324 is deleted. Is stored in the dictionary data 168 (step C19). Next, the new Japanese-English dictionary search program 328 is stored in place of the Japanese-English dictionary search program 174 (step C21), and the download process is terminated.

Next, specific processing of download processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.
First, the CPU 10 reads the record R13 of the Japanese headword table 170, and four translated words R15 “light”, “ray”,... Corresponding to the translated word information storage destination record number “150” from the translated word information table 172a. (Corresponding to steps C1 to C3 shown in FIG. 13). Then, the translated word information storage destination record number “150” stored in the Japanese headword table 170 is deleted (corresponding to step C5 shown in FIG. 13).

  The CPU 10 selects “light” from the five acquired translations, and acquires the record number N1 “60” of the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324 corresponding to the translation “light” (corresponding to steps C7 to C9 shown in FIG. 13). Then, the acquired record number N1 “60” is stored in the translated word information storage destination record number of the record R13 (corresponding to step C11 shown in FIG. 13). The same processing is performed on the remaining four translated words (corresponding to steps C13 → C7 shown in FIG. 13).

  When all the records in the Japanese headword table 170 are read, the CPU 10 deletes the translated word information table 172a from the flash memory 16a and records the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324 (corresponding to steps C15 → C19 shown in FIG. 13). The Japanese-English dictionary search program 174 is recorded instead of the new Japanese-English dictionary search program 328 (corresponding to step C21 shown in FIG. 13).

  FIG. 14 is a Japanese headword table 170 reconstructed by the download process. As shown in the figure, the translation information storage destination record number (record number indicating the storage destination of the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324) corresponding to the Japanese headword and the auxiliary information storage destination record number are stored in association with each other. . For example, the Japanese headword “Hikari” is associated with four translated word information storage destination record numbers N5 “60” “82” “20” “23”. This is because the English headword “light” corresponding to the record number N1 “60” in the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324 is an English translation of the Japanese headword “Hikari”, and explanation information “1. "" Indicates that it is explanatory information of English headwords. Also, the auxiliary information storage destination record number of the Japanese headword "Hikari" does not change before and after execution of the download process. “A50”.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of the flash memory 16a after the download process is executed. According to the figure, an English-Japanese dictionary DB 324, an English-Japanese dictionary search program 329, and a new Japanese-English dictionary search program 328 are newly stored, and the translated word information table 172a and the Japanese-English dictionary search program 174 are deleted. Yes.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the new Japanese-English dictionary search process. The operation of the electronic dictionary 1 related to the new Japanese-English dictionary search process will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 as a specific example of the screen examples shown in FIGS. Of course, the operation realized as the new Japanese-English dictionary search process is not limited to the screen examples of FIGS.

  First, when the user inputs an instruction to execute a new Japanese-English dictionary search process (for example, pressing of the Japanese-English key 58e), the CPU 10 reads the new Japanese-English dictionary search program 328 from the flash memory 16a and develops it in the RAM 14 to execute the new search. Start the Japanese-English dictionary search process.

  First, the CPU 10 displays an input screen W10 for allowing the user to input characters on the display unit 20, and waits until a character is input from the input unit 18 (step D1). When "Hikari" is input (step D1: Yes), the headword matching the input character L10 is searched from the Japanese headword table 170 (step D3). Next, the CPU 10 causes the display unit 20 to display a list of Japanese headwords in the order of the Japanese syllabary starting from the input character L10 as Japanese headword candidates L12 (step D5) (FIG. 17A).

  When the Japanese headword candidate L12 is displayed as a list, the CPU 10 waits until the user selects a headword from the Japanese headword candidate L12 (step D7). When the highlighted display M10 is moved by the operation of the cursor key 54 and the Japanese headword “Hikari” is selected (step D7: Yes), the CPU 10 stores the translated word information storage destination record number corresponding to the selected headword “Hikari”. N5 “60”, “82”, “20”, “23” are acquired from the Japanese headword table 170 (step D9).

  Then, if “60” is selected from the read translation information storage destination record number N5 and “list” is selected as the display mode M12 displayed on the display unit 20, the translation information storage destination record from the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324 is selected. The English headword “light” corresponding to the number “60” is read out and displayed on the display unit 20 (corresponding to steps D11 → D13 → D15 → D17 shown in FIG. 16). Next, each translated word information storage destination record number N5 is selected, the same processing is performed, and a list display L14 of English headwords corresponding to “Hikari” is displayed on the display unit 20 (step D23 → D11) (FIG. 17B).

  The user can display the explanation information of the selected English headword by moving and selecting the reverse display M14 by operating the cursor key 54 (FIG. 18).

  If “details” is selected as the display mode M12, the CPU 10 reads from the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324 the English headword “light” corresponding to the translated word information storage destination record number “60” and the explanation information “1. , Rays (not only visible rays but ...) are read out and displayed on the display unit 20 (corresponding to steps D11 → D13 → D19 → D21 shown in FIG. 16). And the same processing is performed to display a list display L16 of English headwords and explanation information corresponding to “Hikari” on the display unit 20 (corresponding to steps D23 → D11 shown in FIG. 16).

  Further, if “details” is selected as the display mode M12, the CPU 10 acquires the auxiliary information storage destination record number “A50” corresponding to the selected headword, and obtains the corresponding auxiliary information L18 from the auxiliary information table 172b. Read and display on the display unit 20 (corresponding to steps D25 → D27 → D29 shown in FIG. 16) (FIG. 19).

  The user can browse the English headwords, explanation information, and auxiliary information that are not displayed on the display unit 20 by scrolling the screen by operating the cursor keys 54.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the English-Japanese dictionary search process. The operation of the electronic dictionary 1 related to the English-Japanese dictionary search processing will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 20 as a specific example of the screen example shown in FIG. Of course, the operation realized as the English-Japanese dictionary search process is not limited to the screen example of FIG.

  First, when the user inputs an instruction to execute the English-Japanese dictionary search process (for example, pressing the English-Japanese key 58d), the CPU 10 reads the English-Japanese dictionary search program 329 from the flash memory 16a and expands it in the RAM 14 to search the English-Japanese dictionary. Start processing.

  First, the CPU 10 displays an input screen W20 for allowing the user to input characters on the display unit 20, and waits until characters are input from the input unit 18 (step E1: No). When the input character L20 “light” is input (step E1: Yes), the headword that matches the input character L20 is searched from the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324 (step E3). Next, the CPU 10 causes the display unit 20 to display a list of English headwords in alphabetical order starting from the input character L20 as English headword candidates L22 (step E5) (FIG. 21A).

  When the English headword candidate L22 is displayed as a list, the CPU 10 waits until the user selects a headword from the English headword candidate L22 (step E7). When the highlighted display M20 is moved by the operation of the cursor key 54 and the English headword “light” is selected (step E7: Yes), the CPU 10 stores the explanation information corresponding to the selected headword “light” in the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324. Is read out and displayed on the display unit 20 (step E9) (FIG. 21B).

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the record number stored in the translated word information storage destination record number of the Japanese headword table 170 is deleted, and the record of the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324 is recorded based on the translated word of the translated word information table 172a. Remember the number. Then, the translated word information table 172a is deleted, and the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324 is stored in the flash memory 16a. Accordingly, the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324 can be additionally stored without storing the duplicated data in the translated word information table 172a and the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324 in the flash memory 16a, and the data structure efficiently uses the built-in memory. It can be.

  Compared with the explanation information in the translated word information table 172a, the explanation information in the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324 is detailed explanation information. Therefore, by downloading the English-Japanese dictionary DB 324, the dictionary data 168 as the Japanese-English dictionary DB can be expanded to a dictionary DB having more detailed explanation information.

  As described above, according to the two embodiments, when a dictionary DB is newly added, data that is duplicated between the dictionary DB stored from the beginning and the dictionary DB to be added is not additionally stored. In addition, data stored in the dictionary DB stored from the beginning is deleted from the data supplemented by the dictionary DB data to be added. Therefore, since data overlapping between the data in the two dictionary DBs is not stored in the electronic dictionary 1, a data structure that efficiently uses the built-in memory can be obtained.

  Moreover, since only the necessary part of the dictionary DB to be added is downloaded, the amount of information to be downloaded can be reduced.

  In the two embodiments, the two dictionary DBs are reconfigured by downloading them. However, the two dictionary DBs are stored in the electronic dictionary 1 in a state of being reconfigured in advance by the same processing as in the embodiment. You may keep it.

  In addition, although the dictionary DB is downloaded from the CD-ROM 9, the present invention is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate. For example, it may be connected to a server on the Internet via a general public line or the like and downloaded from the server.

  In the two embodiments, an electronic dictionary including an electronic dictionary and an electronic encyclopedia has been described as an application example. However, the present invention is not limited to such products, and can be applied to all electronic devices such as mobile phones, personal computers, and electronic watches. is there.

(A) is an example of an overview diagram of the electronic dictionary, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of a key arrangement of the electronic dictionary. The block diagram which shows the function structure of an electronic dictionary. FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a flash memory, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an external storage medium. The figure which shows an example of the table structure of compound dictionary DB. The figure which shows an example of the table structure of English-French dictionary DB. 6 is a flowchart for explaining dictionary addition processing according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the table structure of compound dictionary DB reconfigure | reconstructed by the dictionary addition process. 6 is a flowchart for explaining dictionary search processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic dictionary screen in the first embodiment. (A) of the second embodiment is a configuration of a flash memory, (b) is a diagram showing the configuration of an external storage medium. The figure which shows an example of the table structure of the dictionary data in Embodiment 2. The figure which shows an example of the table structure of dictionary DB for English-Japanese in Embodiment 2. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining download processing according to the second embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the table structure of the Japanese headword table reconfigure | reconstructed by the download process. The figure which shows the structure of the flash memory reconfigure | reconfigured by the download process. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a new Japanese-English dictionary search process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a first diagram illustrating a screen example of an electronic dictionary according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a second diagram illustrating an example of an electronic dictionary screen according to the second embodiment. The 3rd figure which shows the example of a screen of the electronic dictionary in Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an English-Japanese dictionary search process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a fourth diagram illustrating a screen example of an electronic dictionary in the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10 CPU
14 RAM
16 Flash memory 18 Input unit 20 Display unit 22 External device connection unit 24 Personal computer 30 Storage medium reading unit 32 External storage medium

Claims (8)

A plurality of basic headwords in a predetermined common language; a translation of each of the basic headwords in a plurality of languages other than the common language; and specific information for specifying a translation corresponding to each of the basic headwords; A computer readable data structure comprising:
A data structure characterized in that a translation of each of the plurality of languages of the basic headword is readable by the specific information. A plurality of first headwords in the first language, a plurality of second headwords in the second language, explanation information corresponding to each of the second headwords, and a second synonymous with the first headword A computer readable data structure having specific information for identifying headwords,
When the second headword is selected, the explanation information corresponding to the selected second headword is configured to be readable,
When the first headword is selected, the second headword having the same meaning as the selected first headword and the explanation information corresponding to the second headword are based on the specific information. A data structure configured to be readable. A storage unit that stores a plurality of basic headwords in a predetermined common language and a translation of each of the basic headwords in a plurality of languages other than the common language in association with each other;
Selecting means for selecting one basic headword from the plurality of basic headwords;
Display control means for controlling to read out and display translated words in each of the plurality of languages corresponding to the basic headword selected by the selection means;
An information display control device comprising: First storage means for storing a plurality of first entry words in a first language;
Second storage means for storing a plurality of second headwords in the second language and explanation information of the second headwords in association with each other;
Specific information storage means for storing specific information for specifying a second headword synonymous with the first headword;
Selecting means for selecting one headword from the first headword and the second headword;
When the first headword is selected by the selection means, the second headword having the same meaning as the selected first headword and the second headword are selected based on the specific information. When the second entry word is selected by the selection means, the explanation information corresponding to the selected second entry word is displayed. Display control means for performing control to read out and display from the second storage means;
An information display control device comprising: The first headword in the first language, the translation in the second language, the specific information for specifying the translation corresponding to the first headword, and the explanation information of the first headword are associated with each other. First storage means for storing a plurality of
Second storage means for accessing a recording medium in which a plurality of second headwords in the second language and explanation information of the second headword are recorded in association with each other, and storing and saving the contents recorded in the recording medium When,
Deleting means for deleting from the first storage means the same translation as the second headword stored and stored in the second storage means and the explanation information associated with the translation;
Change means for changing the specific information for specifying the translated word deleted by the deleting means to specific information for specifying the second headword stored and stored in the second storage means that is the same as the translated word;
Selecting means for selecting one headword from the first headword and the second headword;
When the first headword is selected by the selection means, the second headword having the same meaning as the selected first headword and the second headword are selected based on the specific information. When the second entry word is selected by the selection means, the explanation information corresponding to the selected second entry word is displayed. Display control means for performing control to read out and display from the second storage means;
An information display control device comprising: On the computer,
A storage function for associating and storing a plurality of basic headwords in a predetermined common language and a translation of each of the basic headwords in a plurality of languages other than the common language;
A selection function for selecting one basic headword from the plurality of basic headwords;
A display control function for performing control to read and display the translated words in each of the plurality of languages corresponding to the basic headword selected by the selection function;
A program to realize On the computer,
A first storage function for storing a plurality of first headwords in a first language;
A second storage function for storing a plurality of second headwords in the second language and explanation information of the second headwords in association with each other;
A specific information storage function for storing specific information for specifying a second headword synonymous with the first headword;
A selection function for selecting one headword from the first headword and the second headword;
When the first headword is selected by this selection function, it corresponds to the second headword having the same meaning as the selected first headword and the second headword based on the specific information. If the second entry word is selected by the selection function, the explanation information corresponding to the selected second entry word is displayed. A display control function for performing control to read and display from the second memory function;
A program to realize On the computer,
The first headword in the first language, the translation in the second language, the specific information for specifying the translation corresponding to the first headword, and the explanation information of the first headword are associated with each other. A first storage function for storing a plurality of
A second storage function for accessing a recording medium in which a plurality of second headwords in the second language and explanation information of the second headword are recorded in association with each other, and storing and saving the contents recorded in the recording medium When,
A deletion function for deleting the same translation as the second headword stored and stored in the second storage function and the explanation information associated with the translation from the first storage function;
A change function for changing the specific information for specifying the translated word deleted by the deletion function to specific information for specifying the second headword stored and saved in the same second storage function as the translated word;
A selection function for selecting one headword from the first headword and the second headword;
When the first headword is selected by this selection function, it corresponds to the second headword having the same meaning as the selected first headword and the second headword based on the specific information. If the second entry word is selected by the selection function, the explanation information corresponding to the selected second entry word is displayed. A display control function for performing control to read and display from the second memory function;
A program to realize

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